Teaching the Inquiry Research Process in Middle School

Recently for an assignment for grad school we had to create our own Cycle of Inquiry based on Guided Inquiry Design and Carol Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process. Since I teach middle school I thought what better than to synthesize that information and rename everything in middle school slang!

Getting middle schoolers to be invested in researching something for a project is a challenge in itself, so why not get their attention and use their own words? Yes, there will be some eye-rolls - this is pretty “cringe” after all - but it gets their attention. I’m really excited to use this in my own practice and to share with teachers at school so they can use it in their classrooms too.

Passive Programming Ideas for a School Library

Having worked in a 7-12 public school library for a few years we’ve been brainstorming and implementing some Passive Programming ideas to make the library a welcoming and fun place. We hope this encourages students to come check out the library and stay for a bit, even if they don’t get book - though we hope of course this leads to them checking out our books while they’re here! Passive programming is programming that you can “set and forget” and takes little or minimal supervision and instruction. | This post contains affiliate links |

Passive Programming Ideas for School Libraries

In our library we have a designated table with a few chairs around it for Passive Programming and rotate these ideas periodically. Most of these ideas are for older grades but I’ve also thrown in some ideas for younger grades as well. These would also work for public libraries and private school libraries as well:

• puzzles
• bracelet making station
• keychain making
• bookmark making
• chess
• origami
• 3D Puzzle
• Sudoku sheets
• communal sticker mosaic
• communal coloring poster
• coloring sheets
• communal crossword
• LEGOs or K'Nex for free builds
• magnetic poetry
• Scrabble or other board games
• trivia
• reading challeges
• simple robot kits (STEM/STEAM)
• write your own book reviews
• scavenger hunt
• kinetic sand
• sensory bin (theme could be updated monthly or seasonally)
• seasonal crafts
• book-themed crafts

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How I Studied for the Library Media Specialist Praxis Exam

Having to take any Praxis exam can be stressful and overwhelming - so much hinges on if/when you can pass the exam! For me I had less than a month to study for the Library Media Specialist Praxis Exam and here is what I used to study. Good luck! | This post contains personal opinion as well as affiliate links |

Everyone will have their own opinion about how best to study, but here I’ll share what readily available materials I used. I feel as though it helped me a lot and thankfully I did really well on the exam.
Disclaimer: What I am sharing is based on personal opinion. Please do your own research on the matter and be aware that things may change over time.

How I Studied for the Library Media Specialist Praxis Exam

• Real World Experience - I was lucky enough to have worked as a library assistant for several years and was already familiar with many aspects of the job which helped me a lot. I realize not everyone will have that experience though.
• Official Praxis Prep Materials - ETS has several official prep materials available for purchase on their website which can be super helpful!
• Pre-Printed Flashcards - I personally loved these pre-printed flashcards. They saved me a lot of time and I was able to get right to studying! Any flashcards I didn't know or felt I needed to study more I set aside so I could go over those cards again.
• Take Notes - Take old-school notes on paper, seriously! I found that taking physical notes really helped me a lot.
• Take the Practice Exam - this was probably the biggest thing! It really gives you a sense of the types of questions and the timing of the test. Don't skip taking the practice test before you sit down for the real thing!
• Start Studying Early - If possible, start studying well before you need to take the exam so you're able to cover all of the material and review what you don't know. While I didn't have that luxury and only had a short window to study, taking your time studying is ideal.

Best of luck on your exam!

PS - there is also a Pearson version of this exam, but I imagine studying for that one in a similar way would probably be beneficial as well. Good luck!

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A List of Educator (Teacher and Staff) Discounts - Happy New School Year!

I’ve been working in the school system for a few years now - while I did have a teaching degree at one time (I let it lapse), I’ve been working in a support staff role. Being a school staff member doesn’t pay much so getting discounts at different retailers is a small but appreciated perk of the job. I’ve complied a list of some of the stores and restaurants that give Educator/Teacher/School Staff Discounts. Also if you homeschool some places will honor that and give you a homeschool educator discount too so it’s always worth asking! | This post contains affiliate links |

Disclaimer: Different stores have different offers and rules - and they’re subject to change. Make sure to double check on discounts and read the fine print and before you use them. Some of these discounts are in person and others you can do online with verification. If I’m shopping in-store I always ask if they offer an educator discount - you’d be surprised how many random places do!

A Quick List of Some Educator Discounts:

• Many local museums - Always ask when going to a local museum if they offer an Educator Discount - many do for admission or at least for the gift shop

• Some local restaurants/coffee shops - You may find a local restaurant or coffee shop may offer an educator discount on a particular item (like coffee) or your whole meal - it’s always worth asking!

• L.L. Bean - 10% off (online or retail stores - does not work at L.L. Bean Outlets)

• Target - varying offers throughout the year with special coupons/discounts

• JoAnn Fabrics - 15% off

• Michael’s - 15% off

• J.Crew - 15% off

• Under Armour - 20% off

• Crocs - 15% off (full-priced items only)

• Loft - 15% off (full-priced items only)

• New Balance - 25% off

• Sunglass Hut - 15% off

• Canva - may be free if you sign up for an educator account with your school email (not all schools are eligible)

What other places give you a teacher/educator discount? Let me know!

Disclaimer: Different stores have different offers and rules - and they’re subject to change. Make sure to double check on the discounts and read the fine print and before you use them.

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